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Wedding photography for those who want real.
Wedding photography for those who want intimate.
Wedding photography for those who want natural.
Wedding photography for those who want memories.
Wedding photography for those who want joy.
Wedding photography for those who want adventure.
You are a quality over quantity person. You want natural, beautiful wedding photos and film, but a traditional wedding doesn't quite feel right.
You are in the right place.
Whether you are eloping in the Blue Ridge Mountains, planning an intimate micro wedding or dreaming up a sustainable shindig for all your friends, all you have to do on your wedding day is be present and have a good time. I'll capture all the real, honest moments as if you were in your own epic indie film. Think of me as your trusty sidekick who always helps you have a good time and makes you look gooood.
I'm a cage-free, Birkenstock-wearing, there's-no-such-thing -as-bad-weather Montessori mama who lives in a tiny work-in-progress ranch with my two toddlers, two dogs and college sweetheart.
I was born with the "I could probably figure it out" gene and am infinitely curious about the world, learning new things and perfecting the best vegetarian tacos.
I have wanted to be a storyteller ever since I was a little girl (although honestly I thought I'd be writing novels and running an animal sanctuary by now.) Instead, I get to be a memory-keeper for people in some of their most intimate and important life moments. And honestly, that's pretty dope.
Hey there! I'm Kara
Photo By Kenzi Flinchum
Start here:
How can we work together?
Engagement
sessions
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Elopement
Photography packages
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wedding
Photography packages
Virginia Intimate Wedding Resources
Best Places to Elope in Virginia
How to plan a VRBO Wedding
No matter what you call your small wedding - elopement, micro wedding, intimate wedding, minimony - I have resources for you! I've been doing this a long time, and I get it - planning an intimate wedding can feel kind of overwhelming. Especially because all of the mainstream wedding planning resources are for big weddings! So take a peek - still have questions? Get in touch. I can help guide you through the whole thing.
Shenandoah National Park Elopement Guide
The Perfect Shenandoah National Park Elopement Timelines
10 Unique Elopement Ideas for your Big day
What a full day elopement looks like
Virginia Wedding Planning REsources
Roanoke Wedding Guide
Charlottesville Wedding Guide
If having a small wedding isn't your thing, that's totally ok!! I shoot big weddings too :). I work with couples who want authentic, emotional and natural images that tell the full story of their day. No awkward, stiff photos here. You get all the incredible candids, the editorial-style couples portraits AND the posed family shots your mom/auntie/graddad want to print for their mantle. Get in touch if that sounds like you.
Non-traditional wedding dress ideas for 2023
The ultimate WEdding detail checklist
How to have a sustainable wedding
2023 wedding trends according to a wedding planner
The first five things to do after you get engaged
Five questions you should ask your wedding photographer before you book
Virginia Luxury Micro Wedding
Blue Ridge Engagement Photos
Charlottesville Vineyard Wedding
Shenandoah National Park Elopement
Recent weddings, elopements and engagements on the blog
Get inspired
Recent Work
Let my couples tell you
What's it like to have me as your Virginia intimate wedding photographer?
Haley
We’ll always be able to look back and remember how we felt in those moments, something that is truly invaluable.
“
ON THE BLOG
SEE THEIR STORY
(WEDDING, 2020)
Brittany
Kara made my wedding day happen! Everything from finding the location, helping me find a florist, and pick out an airbnb. If it wasn't for her the day wouldn't have happened so easily. Through the entire process Kara hung in there every time I changed my mind (67 times to be exact, including my wedding date!) and handled all of it so kindly. She builds a quick relationship with you and brings out the most real emotion in the pictures.
“
ON THE BLOG
SEE THEIR STORY
(ELOPEMENT, 2019)
Katelyn
Kara shot our wedding and put together the most beautiful wedding videos that we will cherish forever! Her adventurous personality shined through all of her creative ideas. Kara was a joy to work with and I’ll never forget our wedding day splashing in the creek thanks to her!
“
ON THE BLOG
SEE THEIR STORY
(ELOPEMENT, 2019)
Haley
We’ll always be able to look back and remember how we felt in those moments, something that is truly invaluable.
“
ON THE BLOG
SEE THEIR STORY
(WEDDING, 2020)
Elisa
Kara is from the area and knows it like the back of her hand. She knew the exact spot we were getting married, where the sun will be at what time, what we needed to bring and keep in mind…I suggest getting as much time with her as you can. Between the detailed shots, family, individual shots... there is just so much to capture…If we could do it again we would do it just the same.
“
SEE THEIR STORY
ON THE BLOG
SEE THEIR STORY on the blog
(ELOPEMENT, 2020)
Annie
Kara’s presence throughout the day was calming, supportive and fun! Kara will capture the raw emotions of your wedding while leaving space for you to soak in every sweet moment with your person. Afterwards, a family member asked if some of our photos were posed or prompted (us crying together during vows)… nope! Kara has such a special talent and unique eye for capturing these memories so beautifully.
“
ON THE BLOG
SEE THEIR STORY
(ELOPEMENT, 2020)
Brittany
Kara made my wedding day happen! Everything from finding the location, helping me find a florist, and pick out an airbnb. If it wasn't for her the day wouldn't have happened so easily. Through the entire process Kara hung in there every time I changed my mind (67 times to be exact, including my wedding date!) and handled all of it so kindly. She builds a quick relationship with you and brings out the most real emotion in the pictures.
“
ON THE BLOG
SEE THEIR STORY
(ELOPEMENT, 2019)
Katelyn
Kara shot our wedding and put together the most beautiful wedding videos that we will cherish forever! Her adventurous personality shined through all of her creative ideas. Kara was a joy to work with and I’ll never forget our wedding day splashing in the creek thanks to her!
“
ON THE BLOG
SEE THEIR STORY
(ELOPEMENT, 2019)
I'm a Virginia intimate wedding photographer and filmmaker based near Roanoke, Virginia. I primarily serve southwestern and central Virginia, including Roanoke, Staunton, Harrisonburg, Charlottesville, Lexington, Lynchburg, the Shenandoah Valley and Shenandoah National Park.
Frequently Asked Questions
do you offer wedding videos?
I do! I do! I offer both wedding ceremony films and highlight films. Feel free to check out some of my recent work on Vimeo.
What kind of Sessions do you photograph?
My work is broken up pretty evenly between traditional weddings (normally held in Charlottesville or Southwestern Virginia), adventure elopements and micro/intimate weddings. I also do a lot of adventure portrait sessions in Shenandoah National Park or on the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Do you work with a second shooter?
Sometimes! Small weddings I typically shoot solo. Big weddings I typically have a second shooter
Do you travel for weddings?
All travel fees are included(!!!) within a three hour drive of Roanoke. That means if you are planning a wedding in Charlottesville or anywhere in the Shenandoah Valley or Shenandoah National Park or Boone, NC or the New River Gorge National Park, there are absolutely no travel fees for your wedding. I don't currently take on weddings outside of that radius.
What makes you different?
- I can seamlessly switch between photo and video when capturing your day
- I'm *really* good at helping people feel comfortable in front of the camera quickly
- I'm equally happy getting up at 3am and hiking up to a summit to watch you exchange your vows at sunrise as I am capturing an epic hopping reception at a local vineyard.
- Your gallery is *never* stiff, but WILL include a perfect mix of timeless, editorial-style portraits and natural, candid moments
Can we book you only for an hour or two?
Let me explain why not: your wedding deserves SO MUCH MORE than just an hour or two of coverage. This is a momentous event in your life. It deserves more documentation, more lasting photographic memories, than a quick one-off.
